January 6, 2021 was a day of stark contrasts. Americans woke to an example of the fulfillment of our greatest promise as Raphael Warnock was elected to the United States Senate in Georgia, becoming the first Black Senator from that state. A historic moment made possible by a decade of organizing and overcoming barriers erected by a racist system to keep Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color, at the margins.
Later in the day this triumph was overshadowed by a mob of mostly White Americans, supporters of — and incited by — a president who cannot accept defeat, storming the U.S. Capitol. This mob, made up of white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and those who subscribe to conspiracy theories, descended upon the Congress in the midst of certifying the Electoral College votes, in the hopes of overturning a fair election and disrupting the peaceful, democratic transfer of power. The country and world watched in horror.
At Mothers Out Front, we strongly denounce the white supremacy that fueled this riot and continues to threaten our democracy. The only way forward for our country is to build a just, equitable government that is representative of all the people. As Americans we must engage in a national reckoning that addresses systemic racism, and creates a nation where all are respected and can thrive with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We are hopeful that the victories in Georgia on Wednesday, which are a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and what can be achieved when people engage in the work of our democracy, are the true markers of our future. The success of our work at Mothers Out Front depends on our working together with elected officials and others in positions of power to ensure that racial justice and climate change are at the top of any agenda.
We stand ready to continue this work on behalf of all children.